PARODY Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'parody' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parody are burlesque , caricature , and travesty . While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work. // a witty parody of a popular novel

Q: Where would 'burlesque' be a reasonable alternative to 'parody'?

The words burlesque and parody are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment. // a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

Q: When is 'caricature' a more appropriate choice than 'parody'?

Although the words caricature and parody have much in common, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject. // caricatures of politicians in cartoons

Q: When could 'travesty' be used to replace 'parody'?

The synonyms travesty and parody are sometimes interchangeable, but travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd. // this production is a travesty of the opera

parody 1 of 2

noun

ˈper-ə-dē

Definition of parody next

as in spoof

a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect the musical is a parody of every biblical epic ever made

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in joke

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something the young man sported a feeble parody of a mustache in a vain attempt to make himself look older

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

parody

2 of 2

verb

as in to mock

to copy or exaggerate (someone or something) in order to make fun of parodying a public figure's distinctive mannerisms takes particular talent

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun parody differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of parody are burlesque, caricature, and travesty. While all these words mean "a comic or grotesque imitation," parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work.

a witty parody of a popular novel

Where would burlesque be a reasonable alternative to parody?

The words burlesque and parody are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment.

a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court

When is caricature a more appropriate choice than parody?

Although the words caricature and parody have much in common, caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject.

caricatures of politicians in cartoons

When could travesty be used to replace parody?

The synonyms travesty and parody are sometimes interchangeable, but travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd.

this production is a travesty of the opera

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of parody

Noun

In 2017, Underwood also mocked Trump onstage during a performance at the CMA Awards as part of a parody song with Brad Paisley. —

James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025 One parody account for X owner Elon Musk has more than 2.4 million followers. —

Miranda Nazzaro, The Hill, 10 Jan. 2025

Verb

Since original cast members John Candy and Joan Rivers have died, a Spaceballs sequel would probably have to get creative with casting as well (and perhaps even parody Carrie Fisher's posthumous performance in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker). —

Christian Holub, EW.com, 4 Jan. 2025 The Coen brothers took their inspiration from the films of Preston Sturgess and Frank Capra, among others, but the intent was never to satirize or parody those films. —

Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for parody

Recent Examples of Synonyms for parody

Noun

But watching it in 2025, everything about this spoof is strikingly timely.

— The New York Times, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
The 10 minutes that follow each three-minute hypnosis spoof are the same across all three versions.

— Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Dec. 2024